London’s Best New Brunches

By Siobhan Gunner

At the weekend, brunch is the most important meal of the day. Choose wisely, and don’t become a creature of habit – this is our guide to London’s best new brunches…

Brick House

It’s all about bread at the award-winning Brick House, but not just any kind of bread; San Francisco-style slow fermentation sourdough bread. It’s a mouthful, and so are their standout toasts with everything from cured salmon and avocado, to fried eggs and bacon, to a thick slather of homemade chocolate spread. Comfort comes in other forms too, including shakshuka with spicy lamb sausages or sausage and egg on a soft brioche bun.

Ella Canta

Mexican restaurant Ella Canta is praised for many reasons. Maybe it’s the location on Park Lane, the extensive selection of mezcals and tequilas, or chef Martha Ortiz, who is known for reimagining vibrant Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. It all comes together during brunch, when you’ll find colourful creations such as shrimp aguachile with cucumber and green mango; soft corn tortillas with roasted beef and avocado sauce; and Mexican bread stuffed with slow cooked pork (the ultimate hangover cure).

You didn’t think that was it, did you? No Mexican meal is complete without some churros – chef Ortiz serves them with both bitter chocolate and sweet caramel sauces.

Soane’s Kitchen

The recently opened Soane’s Kitchen is housed inside Pitzhanger Manor House, a century-old country home with a beautiful surrounding garden. That’s also where chef Alex Head sources the restaurant’s produce, bringing you a seasonally-minded menu with light yet satisfying dishes. When the weekend rolls around, she manages to find the right balance between healthy and fun; think pancakes made with sweet potato, eggs benedict served on a croissant, and a fish finger sandwich with pea purée. Did we mention the Bloody Mary station? Not so healthy, but oh-so fun.

Avenue Restaurant & Bar

London is doing all right these days, but there’s nothing quite like a New York-style brunch. While located in the heart of St James’s, Avenue’s elegant dining room feels more like an Upper East Side establishment. I mean, their new French toast parlour is so extravagant (and genius), the whole experience is undeniably American. You can indulge in sweet and savoury-style French toast, stuffed with ham and cheese, or topped with cinnamon and chocolate sauce. Or, take on towering stacks of buttermilk pancakes, followed by sundaes or warm pecan pies.

Don’t worry, the savoury road is well-travelled too: lobster roll with fries, mushroom burger with barbecue sauce, or bacon mac and cheese. Anything can be brunch if you want it to be.

Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea Power Station

The modern Indian restaurant, which opened a new location in Battersea Power Station earlier this year, is now serving its contemporary east-meets-west dishes for brunch. Start with spiced chickpeas on fluffy bread, before tucking into South Indian-style pancakes with coconut chutney, or chicken biryani with spiced yoghurt. With so many tempting items on the menu, it’s best to bring a group of friends and opt for the power station feast, allowing you to enjoy a bit of everything.

The spicy flavours continue to shine through in the cocktails, brought to you by the award-winning mixologist Tony Conigliaro. We love his take on the gin and tonic, made with allspice, fenugreek and black mustard gin.

Tom’s Kitchen

A menu with breakfast classics draws in a crowd at this modern British brasserie in Chelsea. Served in a rustic yet bright space, eggs are available in various forms (benedict, royale or in rich tomato sauce), alongside more filling options such as a vegetarian-style full English, complete with crispy feta cheese, mushroom, crushed avocado and baked beans. But the star of the show is definitely Tom’s French toast: fluffy brioche gets topped with caramelised apples and a warming dollop of cinnamon cream. Get it to share or enjoy it all to yourself.